Emily Floore
Emily Floore
Age: 36
City of residence: Jacksonville, FL
Current title: Executive Director and Riverkeeper
Place of business: St. Marys Riverkeeper
Professional responsibilities: As the St. Marys Riverkeeper, I am the chief advocate and public’s voice for the St. Marys River. I work in the four counties of the watershed which stretches across two states. My responsibilities include but are not limited to: holding regulatory agencies and those polluting the river accountable; identifying and advocating for solutions that will protect and restore the river; working with government entities, businesses, community leaders and citizens to resolve problems that impact the river’s health; and communicating with the media and the public to educate and raise awareness about important river-related issues. In addition to Riverkeeper responsibilities, I maintain overall responsibility for budgeting, staffing, program development, fundraising, and public relations as Executive Director.
Accomplishments/Honors: Recipient of Georgia Water Coalition’s Clean 13 award as part of the Horsepen Creek Improvement Team. The Clean 13 award highlights and celebrates groups for their incredible work to promote, protect, and improve Georgia’s waterways. The Horsepen Creek Improvement Team, supported by EPD; the University of Georgia; Camden County and its Department of Health; Superior Septic; St. Marys Riverkeeper and the St. Marys River Management Committee, replaced 44 residential septic systems over 6 years. This reduced fecal bacteria levels in Horsepen Creek by 92% removing the creek from the state’s impaired waterbodies list and improving the health of the adjacent community who utilizes the river for recreation.
Community Involvement: Member of the Camden Chamber. Informing, involving, and engaging our members and the community in the efforts to protect and restore the river’s health. Participating in the public policy decision-making process to represent the interests of the river, our members, and the public. Working with citizens to effectively resolve problems impacting the river in their neighborhoods and communities. Engage trained citizens in monthly water testing to monitor the health of our waterways.
Why did you go into your particular field? I have always had a passion for water, nature, and the outdoors. Throughout my career, I have built a strong foundation in education and working with people of all ages to raise awareness for conservation efforts that not only focus on the environment but will also benefit the community. The Riverkeeper framework combines my interest in political science and love of biology to advocate for change that better protects our waterways and the neighboring communities.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A Veterinarian
What was your first job? At 14, I worked at a bakery-cafe called Just Fresh in Mt. Pleasant, SC making sandwiches, salads & soups, and baked goods.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? From my high school Band Director “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.”
What’s your favorite thing about your job? Being out on the St. Marys River and interacting and working with people who genuinely care about conserving it for future generations to enjoy.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? There is time for action and there is time to be strategic. Sometimes they go hand in hand, but sometimes one is more impactful than the other.
When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Traveling, gardening, exploring the outdoors with my Family, and sitting on the beach!
How do you hope to grow in your career? Patience has been my biggest learning curve. I hope to continue to learn how to be more patient and know that the things I want to happen will come in time.
If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Travel more. A remote job that allows for this, a career that offers travel opportunities, or just traveling with my family!